featured Athlete - Sean D

1. How long have you been doing CrossFit? If not with CFWP, how/where did you start?

I started doing CrossFit at CFWP in August 2013. Since that time I have been going to classes 4 to 5 times a week.

2. What got you involved with CrossFit?

I originally heard about CrossFit about 8 years ago when my brothers friend begin doing the workouts daily. Back then I did not think much about it from a daily workout standpoint as I was a competitive swimmer at that point and thought I was in good enough shape. After graduating college in 2013 I stopped swimming and was looking for something else to do to stay in shape. After starting a new job and moving into a new apartment I started thinking about what I could do that would give me the same satisfaction and feeling that I had when I was swimming. Eventually I circled back to what I had heard about 8 years earlier and started looking for CrossFit Gyms in the area. Driving home from work one day I saw a sign for CFWP and decided to make the jump. The rest as they say is history.

3. What were your main concerns when you first started?

Going into my first CrossFit class I had my concerns as I had heard a lot about CrossFit from others and some of the negative ideas that went along with it. Many people see CrossFit as an injury waiting to happen or this year’s new and exciting Cult. If you would like a humorous side of what many people think of about CrossFit outside of CrossFit check out this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqb9pBJweVU. However, after attending my first few classes and meeting all of the coaches I can assure you wall of my assumptions and concerns were erased. Starting from day one the #1 concern is safety.

4. Why have you continued to do CrossFit?

I have continued to do CrossFit because I love it. The feeling that I get from a workout is unparalleled. The most satisfying feeling in the world is lying on the ground staring at the ceiling after finishing a workout. It may have felt impossible at times but in that moment I realize I have accomplished something and nothing can beat the pride and satisfaction I feel after finishing a tough workout. No other activity has made me feel like that before. So with anything I enjoy in life I don’t ever want it to stop so I keep coming back for more!

5. What do you think about the CFWP community?

I love the people. What we lack in size we make up for in the support and comradery everyone shows toward each other. It does not matter if you are a Professional CrossFitter or someone who has never picked up a bar in your life, you will be accepted with open arms. You never feel pushed to do something you cannot and everyone is always willing to help you progress with whatever goals you may have. Everyone at CFWP is willing to help you at the drop of a hat and not many other gyms in the area can confidently say that. Community comes first and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

6. Have CrossFit and CFWP met the expectations you had before you started?

Absolutely!

7. What is your favorite part about CrossFit/CFWP?

My favorite part about CrossFit is that it never gets old. No two workouts are alike and I never feel that I am doing the same thing over and over. Every day I walk into the gym I am excited to see the workout because you never know what to expect. CrossFit is great for me since I can get bored easily. Every workout pushes you to new limits and forces you to always be on your toes.

My favorite part about CFWP is most definitely the extracurricular activities. There is almost always something going on outside of the gym whether it be a pub crawl, poker night, football watching, hiking, or skiing. I could go on and on, the point is CFWP is not just a gym it is a community where you can have just as much fun outside of the gym as you do inside of the gym.

8. How has CrossFit impacted your life?

CrossFit has impacted my life for the better in every way. Before joining CrossFit I felt that I was in the best shape of my life because of swimming. I could have not been more wrong. CrossFit has given me a platform that I can use to stay healthy and do for the rest of my life without ever feeling bored. In addition, the confidence and strength that I have gained from CrossFit is amazing. I no longer lack the confidence to try things that before I thought were impossible. The amount of things that I have accomplished in CrossFit only proves that I can do anything I put my mind to.

9. Favorite movement?

I think my favorite movement might be squat clean. Double unders are slowly moving up that list after being in dead last for several months. Just ask Kristina how much I used to like double unders.

10. Least favorite movement?

My least favorite movement by far is over head squat.

11. What advice would you give to anyone interested in starting CrossFit or just beginning?

Don’t be swayed by someone else’s opinion. I have met a lot of people that have a negative idea about CrossFit because of things they have heard from others. Don’t let someone else stop you from doing something you might actually enjoy. Every CrossFit Gym I have ever been to offers a free introductory class that you can take; therefore, you have no reason not to try it at least once and formulate your own opinion. If you still don’t like it after a free class then so be it but let it be your decision NOT someone else’s. In addition, don’t be intimidated by others at the gym, everyone started where you were at when they started and over time were able to become who they are today. No one comes in day one ready to compete for the title. It takes time.

12. What are some personal goals you are looking to achieve in the coming months?

In the coming months I would like to improve my overhead strength and mobility. I want to become a better-rounded athlete and not have to worry about the movements that are presented each day. I have tried to conquer one goal at a time and will continue to do so. In just over a year I have been able to conquer many things I thought I would never be able to do when I first joined CFWP.

13. Do you have a special moment/memory from your time CrossFitting you’d like to share? (something you’re proud of accomplishing, were inspired by, etc).

It was during the December 2014 Holiday Throwdown at CFWP. I had just completed the 3rd WOD of the day with my partner and all that remained was an Overhead Carry Floater. All we had to do was carry a barbell overhead 20 meters down around a cone and 20 meters back 3 times. Sounds easy until you put 115# on the bar. I will never proclaim to like or enjoy overhead carry and was dreading the idea of having to do this for 3 rounds all day.

As I began the 1st round I felt confident that I could finish. As I began the 2nd round my confidence started to turn into doubt. I had to drop the bar a couple of times to my back but was still able to finish in a reasonable amount of time. As I began the 3rd and final round I quickly realized I was in for a world of trouble. I was able to make the first 20m pretty easily but as I began the turnaround I could feel my shoulders start to give out. I had nothing left to give. By this time most of the people who had been competing that day began to gather outside and watch the proceedings. I wanted nothing more than to give up and quit. I could not feel my arms let alone get the bar above my head. I was able to struggle to within 3 feet of the finish line when the tank finally ran out. No matter what I tried I could not get that bar overhead to finish. However, everyone who had gathered to watch began cheering me on and motivating me to finish. I was overwhelmed by the number of people motivating me and giving me the confidence to finish. Using that fire I was able to give it one last big push and finish.

Some may ask why such a demoralizing moment is a special memory. Yes, it was one of the toughest moments I have experienced in CrossFit but in that moment I realized that CrossFit is more than a workout, it’s a family that wants to see you succeed regardless of the situation. Everyone who was watching me struggle could have just walked away or laughed, but they didn’t. Even after I had finished in last everyone was still very supportive and motivating. This moment will forever drive me to keep pushing even when I feel defeated. Without the support I received that day I might have given up and quit and I can’t be more grateful that I didn’t. I will try to push others as I was pushed that day because at the end of the day we are a family and all we want to see is a family succeed.

4. Finally, if you could design a WOD for Ethan to do, what would it be?